The Backcountry Wilderness of Highlands Ranch offers a great variety of outdoor opportunities for you and your family. Nature is literally right here in Highlands Ranch. Did you know there are over 300 elk in the Backcountry Wilderness Area? Deer, eagles, coyotes, and the occasional bear, and mountain lion also live right here. Ponderosa pine forests, dense oak thickets, mountain mahogany, and some of the most beautiful wildflowers you have ever laid your eyes on are...yes, you guessed it, right here in Highlands Ranch. Birds, an incredible variety of birds; right here in Highlands Ranch. Getting out in nature and enjoying the great outdoors does not have to mean battling mountain traffic. You have your own sanctuary right in your backyard. Whether you are out for a nature walk or want to feel the burn on your mountain bike, visiting the beauty, serenity, and wildlife of the Backcountry is as convenient as a trip to the grocery store.
See the Activity Guide for the programs being offered right now.
Horseback Trail Rides Experience the Backcountry by horseback. Rides run Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Wilderness Adventure Camp
Get your child outside and let them learn about the natural world around them. These are week long programs. Each day your child is taken to a different part of the Backcountry, hikes a couple miles and learns a different nature lesson each day. Topics include wildlife, plants, habitat, conservation, animal tracks, survival, predator-prey relationships and much more.
Family Hikes and Outings
Birds, wildlife, elk bugling, plant and flower, deer rut hikes, night hikes, survival hikes, we offer them all. These hikes are a great way for you and your family to learn more about the native plants and wildlife in the Backcountry. Check our activity guide for the hikes that are offered right now.
Vehicle Tours
Whether it's to look and listen for bugling elk or watch for gobbling turkeys, a vehicle tour is the best way to experience the whole Backcountry. Dinner, campfire and s’mores may be included.
Horse Drawn Hay Rides
A great way to spend a relaxing summer evening. Some rides include a catered dinner, some are bring your own picnic. We’ll take you into a part of the Backcountry where the only thing you will see and hear around you is nature. A campfire and marshmallows are always a hit!
Boy Scout/Girl Scout Programs
Does your Boy Scout Troop or Girl Scout Troop need to earn a badge or learn about their environment? With the resources and opportunities we have in the Backcountry, we can help. We will design a hike to fit your needs. Custom Hikes start at $35/hour. Contact us and we will design a class or hike just for you.
School Programs
Field Trip anyone? Need to do some hands on learning? We can design a class or hike to fit your needs. Take advantage of the Backcountry and the various learning opportunities it presents. Anything from environmental stuardship to geology, wildlife ecology, botany, land management, art or photography...anything is possible.
Questions about programs: call Eric Grover at 303-471-7078 or email Eric.Grover@hrcaonline.org
Online Registration | Waivers